Leasowes Primary School Review 2026: Elite Academic Standards in Stafford

Leasowes Primary School occupies a prominent position in the Weeping Cross area of Stafford, serving a community that clearly values the school's long standing reputation for academic excellence. This two form entry school, catering for approximately 420 pupils plus a thriving nursery, manages to combine the scale of a larger primary with a focused learning environment.

The school's performance is exceptional. According to current FindMySchool data, Leasowes ranks 244th among over 15,000 schools in England, placing it in the elite tier (top 2%) of primary providers. Within the Stafford area, it holds the 3rd position among local primaries. Leadership under Mrs Gemma Bettany, who has been in post as Headteacher since 2018, has maintained the high expectations that saw the school achieve an Outstanding rating from Ofsted in its most recent full inspection in January 2024.

The atmosphere at Leasowes is one of quiet, industrious calm. Located on Porlock Avenue, the school sits within a residential pocket of Stafford where the morning drop-off is a communal event. The physical environment is well maintained, with clear signage and displays that celebrate pupil achievement across the curriculum.

There is a palpable sense of pride among the staff and pupils alike. The school operates with a clear structure where expectations for behaviour and effort are understood from the nursery upwards. Inspectors from Ofsted recently described the school as an exceptional and vibrant place where pupils thrive. This is not an exam factory; rather, it is a school where the culture of high achievement is woven into the daily routine.

The leadership team is visible and engaged. Mrs Bettany is supported by a stable governing body and the South East Stafford Academy Trust. The school's values of respect, aspiration, enjoyment, courage, collaboration, and love are not just slogans but are actively lived out in the classroom and playground.

The 2024 KS2 results tell a compelling story of success. At Leasowes, 93% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is a staggering 31% above the England average of 62%.

Even more impressive is the depth of achievement. At the higher standard, 46% of pupils achieved greater depth across all three core subjects, compared to the England average of just 8%. This level of performance indicates that nearly half of the cohort is performing significantly above their age related expectations.

Subject specific performance is equally robust. In mathematics, 97% of pupils reached the expected standard with an average scaled score of 110. Reading also saw an average scaled score of 110, with 90% meeting the expected standard. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) achieved an average score of 112, with 71% of pupils reaching the high score threshold. These figures confirm the school's status as a leader in primary outcomes both locally and in England.

Teaching at Leasowes is characterised by high level subject knowledge and a structured approach to lesson delivery. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious, moving pupils beyond the basic requirements of the national framework. The school uses a Rooted in Reading approach, with a Library Learning Hub at the centre of the school building to encourage reading for pleasure.

In the early years, the integrated nursery provision provides a seamless transition into Reception. The focus here is on early literacy and numeracy, with practitioners using a variety of multisensory approaches to engage young learners. As pupils move through the school, the challenge increases. Science is a clear strength, with 94% of pupils meeting the expected standard in 2024, compared to the England average of 82%.

The school uses data effectively to track progress, ensuring that no pupil falls behind. Small group interventions and targeted support are used for those who need a boost, while those working at greater depth are consistently challenged through more complex problem solving and critical thinking tasks.

As a primary school, the majority of pupils progress to local secondary schools within Stafford. Given the school's academic profile, many pupils are well prepared for the transition to secondary education, with a significant number moving on to high performing local academies and secondary schools. The school maintains strong links with these providers to ensure a smooth transition for Year 6 students.

Leasowes is a highly sought after school. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 144 applications for just 60 places. With a subscription proportion of 2.4, it is significantly oversubscribed.

Staffordshire County Council coordinates the admissions process. While the school does not have a formal catchment boundary, proximity to the school gate is a primary factor in the allocation of places after looked-after children and siblings. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous allocation patterns.

Pastoral care is a significant strength, with a system that ensures every child is known and supported. The recent Outstanding Ofsted rating reflected the high quality of safeguarding and the effective support for pupils' emotional wellbeing. Pupils consistently conduct themselves with exemplary politeness and consideration.

The SENCO leads a dedicated team that works with families to ensure that pupils with additional needs have tailored support. The inclusive nature of the school means that pupils of all abilities are encouraged to participate fully in all aspects of school life. Behaviour is exemplary, with a clear system of rewards and sanctions that pupils view as fair.

Extracurricular life at Leasowes is designed to complement the academic rigour. The school offers a range of clubs that vary by term, including the Choir, which has a strong reputation locally, and various sports teams such as football and netball.

STEM Excellence

STEM is a particular focus, with coding clubs and science projects that encourage pupils to apply their classroom learning to real world problems. The school also makes use of its enviable grounds for Forest School activities, facilitated by trained staff. This outdoor curriculum supports personal development and builds confidence and self-esteem through its Protect Today to Preserve Tomorrow commitment.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:30pm. Leasowes provides comprehensive wraparound care to support working families through Leasowes Extra. Breakfast club opens at 7:30am, and after-school care runs until 6:00pm.

The school is well located for local transport, though parking on Porlock Avenue can be congested at peak times. Many local families choose to walk, which the school encourages through its travel plan.

Fees & Financial Aid

Leasowes Primary School is a state-funded academy, which means there are no tuition fees for pupils from Reception to Year 6.

For the nursery provision, all hours are charged at the local authority Early Education Funding rate, which is currently £5.43 per hour as of 2025. This rate is subject to annual adjustments. Government-funded hours (15 or 30 hours) are available for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. For specific nursery fee details and availability, families should contact the school office directly or visit the school website.

• Significant Oversubscription: With 2.4 applications for every place, entry is fiercely competitive. Families moving into the area should not assume a place will be available and should check current trends.
• Academic Intensity: While the school is inclusive, the pace of learning and the high expectations for achievement are significant. Most pupils thrive in this environment, but it is a setting that prizes academic progress.
• Forest School Focus: The commitment to outdoor learning is genuine. Families should be prepared for their children to be outside in various weather conditions as part of the Forest School curriculum.

Leasowes Primary School is an academic powerhouse that manages to maintain a calm and supportive community feel. Its results place it in the top 2% of schools in England, making it an exceptional choice for parents who prioritise high standards. It is best suited to families who want a structured, ambitious education for their children and who live in the immediate vicinity of Baswich and Weeping Cross. The main challenge for parents is undoubtedly securing a place.